Defence Forces spokesman Capt Stephen MacEoin said: “This project will provide a major and never before seen insight into the 1916 Rising and the War of Independence.

“The documents include some 1,773 statements by men and women who were eye-witnesses to some of the most dramatic events in Irish history.

“The website will allow Irish people around the world to search for information not just about a family member but also their own parish or county.”

Capt MacEoin also confirmed to the Irish Times that the Military Archives will also release files from those who claim to have fought for Irish freedom. Many of these submissions were made by people as they sought a Free State pension.

The Army believe the publication of this ‘privately submitted’ information will be ‘ground breaking’.

Original maps, plans, and drawings pertaining to the construction and maintenance of military barracks in Ireland from 1830 to 1980 will also be published.

The online collection also contains many previously unseen architectural drawings from the British War Office, the Royal Engineer Corps, the Ordnance Survey and, latterly, the Irish Defence Forces Engineer Corps.

Some archive material - including papers relating to Michael Collins – can still only be viewed in person and by agreement with the Military Archives body.